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Beta-Hydroxybutyric Acid Unit Converter
Beta-Hydroxybutyric Acid (β-Hydroxybutyrate or BHB) is the most abundant of the three “ketone bodies” produced by the liver during fatty acid metabolism (ketogenesis). It accounts for approximately 78% of total ketones in Diabetic Ketoacidosis (DKA), while acetoacetate and acetone make up the rest.
Unlike acetoacetate, BHB is chemically stable and is the preferred marker for diagnosing and monitoring DKA and alcoholic ketoacidosis.[Image of ketone body metabolism pathway] Crucially, standard urine dipsticks (nitroprusside reaction) do not detect BHB, only acetoacetate. Therefore, serum or point-of-care capillary measurement of BHB is essential for accurate assessment of ketosis severity. This converter allows seamless switching between the standard molar unit (mmol/L) and mass units like mg/dL.
SI Units
RecommendedMillimoles per liter (Standard International).
Conventional Units
Clinical Context
Normal BHB levels in a fed state are typically < 0.5 mmol/L. Levels rise during fasting (up to 1-2 mmol/L) and ketogenic diets.
In Diabetic Ketoacidosis, levels often exceed 3.0 mmol/L (roughly 31 mg/dL). Monitoring the clearance of BHB is a more reliable indicator of DKA resolution than monitoring urine ketones or the anion gap alone. The conversion factor relies on the molecular weight of 104.1 g/mol: 1 mmol/L ≈ 10.41 mg/dL.
Clinical References
How to Use This Calculator
Follow these steps to get accurate clinical conversions instantly.
Enter Values
Input your laboratory results into the corresponding unit field (e.g., mmol/L). You can use either dot or comma decimals.
Automatic Conversion
The calculator works in real-time. As you type in one field, all other units (like mg/dL) are instantly updated.
Verify Units
Check the SI Units section. mmol/L is the standard unit for point-of-care ketone meters.
Reset
Use the Clear button to reset all fields before starting a new calculation.
Frequently Asked Questions & Tips
Urine strips primarily detect acetoacetate, not beta-hydroxybutyrate. During recovery from DKA, BHB converts to acetoacetate, which may cause urine tests to remain positive even as the patient improves.
While less common than mmol/L for ketones, some older lab reports in the US still use mg/dL.